Biggest drug haul, but no one died - BBM

The recovery of P13.3 billion worth of shabu in Batangas, considered to be the country's biggest drug haul in a single police operation so far, indicated that the government's "bloodless" campaign against illegal drugs is working, President Marcos said yesterday.

- HELEN FLORES

Marcos made the statement following the seizure of two tons of shabu at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag town on Monday morning.

Marcos yesterday joined officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, led by Secretary Benhur Abalos, in inspecting the drug haul in Alitagtag town.

Marcos said the arresting officers were able to capture a suspect without resorting to violence.

"This is the biggest shipment of shabu that we have seized. But not one person died. No one died, no one was shot, no one was hurt," Marcos said.

"That's (a bloodless) approach to the drug war. What's important is we stop the shipment of drugs here in the Philippines," he said. Authorities are tracking down the source of the illegal drugs, Marcos said, noting the seized substance was not manufactured locally. The illegal drugs were loaded in a passenger van that police pulled over at a checkpoint in Barangay Pinagkrusan.

The van driver was arrested and will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Marcos said a test conducted on the confiscated drugs by the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed the illegal substance was of "very high quality," or has "very high potency." The President assured the public that his administration would keep running after illegal drug syndicates, including the powerful ones or those connected with the government or politicians.